nite ize figure 9 big

**scollard70** · 03-12-2015, 23:25

So I got on the nite ize web site and they have some figure 9 size big. They are rated to 300 lbs. How do you guys feel about using them for hammock suspension ? Just curious.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-12-2015, 23:48

Death wish. If you are single and have no kids, and nobody relying on you, then go for it.

There are some threads about people who think that Figure 9's are a viable hammock suspension - so if you want to fall you'll find a small minority who will agree with you, but that may be enough to convince you it's an intelligent idea.

It takes some brain damage to consider Figure 9s as a viable hammock suspension. The best thing is that, if you don't have the brain damage, you'll probably get it soon enough if you use Figure 9s as a hammock suspension!

**Bubba** · 03-12-2015, 23:49

300 lbs is low in terms of weight rating. Is that the safe working load or the actual breaking strength? Either way I wouldn't use them. There are better options out there.

**justicehaze** · 03-12-2015, 23:51

I wouldn't suggest going near them for a hammock suspension but they work well as a tarp suspension

**Gadgetgeek** · 03-13-2015, 01:32

my understanding is that they are not working rated, just load rated to whatever they are rated to. Add into the fact that that would be a static load rating, and even the soundest of sleeper is still not a truly static load. While SilvrSurfr might be a bit hyperbolic in language, the message is clear, if its not a suspension rated component, don't use it for suspension. That said, I would think a 300lb figure nine would be overkill for a tarp.

**Zilla** · 03-13-2015, 08:50

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

Death wish. If you are single and have no kids, and nobody relying on you, then go for it.

There are some threads about people who think that Figure 9's are a viable hammock suspension - so if you want to fall you'll find a small minority who will agree with you, but that may be enough to convince you it's an intelligent idea.

It takes some brain damage to consider Figure 9s as a viable hammock suspension. The best thing is that, if you don't have the brain damage, you'll probably get it soon enough if you use Figure 9s as a hammock suspension!

AGREED!!

**bowl-maker** · 03-13-2015, 09:07

And when that Figure-9 comes apart, some sharp piece of it will invariable end up in your head when it slingshots away from the suspension in direct line with the tension (which is in direct line with you).

However, I rather enjoy my small Figure-9's on my rainlfly RL on either end.

**Deathstar77** · 03-13-2015, 09:09

Tarp ridgeline and tie outs, yes. Hammock, definitely not.

**CoreyR** · 03-13-2015, 09:15

Anything which supports my hammock is something I would be willing to rappel with. I would NOT rappel with anything made by Niteize.

**hotelzulu** · 03-13-2015, 09:29

There are a few threads on the forum discussing the same topic. Figure 9s might not be trusted (or have proven to fail) as part of a hammock suspension system, but the small ones sure are handy. I've spent may hours learning knots, and I'm proud to have that knowledge to rely on if needed, but small Figure 9s are one of the quickest and easiest ways to hang a tarp IMO.

Since this seems to be a re-occurring thread topic, I wonder if a Figure-9-like system (thicker material? Ti construction?) can be developed to work safely as a suspension option. Not that there aren't 1000 options already available, but just a thought.